My 1 1/2 Month Postpartum Update

Just wanted to make an update on how I've been doing.

Weight update:
Pre-pregnancy weight: About 110
Highest pregnancy weight: 156
2 weeks PP: 131
Current- 6 weeks PP: 125

Goal weight: 105lbs

Previously I wanted to go back down to 100lbs, which was my weight before marriage, but I decided to be more realistic...hah.

So I still have 20lbs to go.

Honestly I have not been working out these past few weeks as I should be. With the baby not on any schedule and lack of sleep, I have very little energy to get myself to exercise.

On a brighter note, because I've been so cooped up inside the house I've been so antsy to go out. This means now that the weather is getting warmer and Emma is reaching her two month mark, I can take her out for more walks and errands around the neighborhood. I actually took her out last week for some errands but totally regretted it. It was colder than I thought it would be so I was scared she was going to get sick. Luckily she didn't catch anything.

As for my food intake, I have been pretty much eating whatever I want but in moderation and portion control. Most of the days when I'm home alone, I hardly have time to cook anything, so I end up snacking or eating leftovers. The only set up meal I really have is dinner, which is with my husband. Other than dinner there is no breakfast time or lunch time, it's just whenever I wake up and have a chance to eat.

Other than weight, I've been doing pretty good overall. Usually when Im at home all day I never get out of my PJ's and have no makeup on, but now, I decided to try and get ready everyday even though Im not going out. This has actually been helping me boost my confidence and making me feel better about myself instead of a slob. I know my husband appreciates this too. Haha.

Also I don't know if this is related to giving birth, but for some reason I feel like my eyes have become super sensitive. I was cutting an onion the other day and my eyes started to burn like crazy with tears rolling down. I know this is common for many people, but not for me. I have cut many many onions and never have I had my eyes burn so much. This happened twice already. Also when I put lotion on. my eyes start burning too. It's so strange. I heard that eyes do become sensitive after birth but this is just crazy. I really hope this goes away soon.

-Jess

My Breastfeeding Experience

Since day one I have been breastfeeding Emma. Before she was born I knew that is what I wanted to do until she was at least 12 months old. But my two concerns were her not being able to latch on and not producing enough milk!

I remember the night she was born, I was lying on the hospital bed waiting for her after she was all checked up. When the nurse brought her in, she put Emma on my chest guiding her to my breast so she can latch on. I was worried she would not latch on correctly, but to my surprise, she latched on immediately and started to feed.

That night was really one of the most special moments we had together. Now every time she nurses, it just gives me another chance to gaze at her and caress every single part of her cute self. I can probably do it all day!

But ofcourse along with the good there is the bad. Because my milk did not come in until the 5th day or so, Emma was very very fussy. I knew I wasn't providing enough so I ended up supplementing with formula. It made me pretty sad but I knew it was the best for her.

After my milk started to come in, my breasts went through painful engorgement, nipple soreness, so I began pumping until I felt my milk supply started to stabilize. This took about 2 weeks.

When Emma went for her two week checkup she weighed in at 7lbs 5oz. Her birth weight was 6lbs 8oz. The doctor said she was growing ok but he would like her to gain a bit more weight. He wanted her to be about 9lbs for her one month checkup. He mentioned it is ok to feed her some formula too if she takes it after nursing. I didn't like the idea, so I kind of pushed the thought out of my mind. I felt she was pooing and peeing at a healthy range so I didn't worry.

When we went in for her one month checkup, she fell short by 2 ozs, weighing in at 8lbs 14oz. My doctor mentioned again about feeding her formula, so this time I decided to take some action. I started giving her formula at least once a day after a nursing session. Even though I knew she was growing at a steady rate, she was still below average weight in percentile. Of course as a first time mom I don't want her to fall behind if I can somewhat control it. I felt a bit disappointed at myself, but I know in the end its all about her health.

Many of the days I feel like I'm still not producing enough or fast enough, but i guess thats aways a concern for newly breastfeeding moms. Ive been eating a lot of oatmeal and drinking a cup of water after every feeding, so hopefully it will help!

Also this is not related to breastfeeding, but I just have to share this cute minnie mouse outfit her uncle got her!